President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to families affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying no child should ever be taken from the safety of a classroom.
In a statement released on Monday, the President said he shared in the pain and anxiety of affected families following the attack on communities in Esiele and Yawota, which has triggered nationwide concern over school security.
Tinubu said, “No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish.”
The President also commiserated with the family of a teacher killed during the attack, Mrs Oyedokun, the widow of Michael Oyedokun, who was beheaded by bandits in Oyo State. describing her as a victim whose sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” he said.
He assured that rescue operations would continue in a coordinated and intelligence-driven manner, with the government deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the release of abducted victims.
“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” he said.
The President’s statement comes after a high-level Federal Government delegation visited the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area following the abductions on May 15, 2026.
The delegation included senior government and security officials such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.
Tinubu stepped up earlier announced security efforts in the area, bringing in a specialised unit with advanced rescue skills and working with the Oyo State Government to deploy 1,000 forest guards. The aim is to boost surveillance in forest corridors often used by armed groups.
He also said the initiative would be supported by broader operational measures aimed at improving rescue efforts.
“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he said.
The President noted that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area was receiving urgent consideration.
The recent abductions in the Esiele and Yawota communities have raised worries about school safety and rural security. Authorities say ongoing efforts are focused on ensuring the victims’ safe return and boosting protection in at-risk areas.